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Ideological Origins of the American Revolution: British Colonial Experience

Explore the unique British colonial experience that laid the foundations for the American Revolution, delving into the ideological origins and typical interpretations of key events like the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, and more. Uncover old and new interpretations regarding British-American shared ideology, British stability, and the influence of Radical Whig ideology on American colonies. Understand the differences between the British and American political systems, focusing on the power of the executive, representation, and governance through American eyes.

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Ideological Origins of the American Revolution: British Colonial Experience

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  1. What was unique about the British colonial experience that laid the foundations for revolution? Its Ideological Origins

  2. Typical Interpretation:British revenue acts and American resistance • Sugar Act, 1764 • Stamp Act, 1765 • Stamp Act Congress and Boycotts • Townshend Duties, 1767, and Boycotts • Boston Massacre, 1770 • Tea Act, 1773 • Boston Tea Party, 1774 • Coercive Acts, 1774 • 1st Continental Congress, 1774 • Battle at Lexington and Concord, April 1775

  3. But why are these acts so incendiary? Why do Americans respond differently? • Old Interpretation: a conflict between virtuous American people and: • Inept British Empire • Tyrannical British Empire

  4. Why ARE these acts so incendiary FOR AMERICANS? New Interpretation: Ideology

  5. New appreciation for ideological causes of historical events • More benign meaning to “ideology” – a mentality • Contemporary history –Cold War ideological conflicts • Social science influence: anthropology and cultural meaning

  6. Shared British-American ideology • British constitution sacred – key to liberty • Constitution not codified; accumulated precedent

  7. British Constitution: mixed Government Montesquieu, 1748

  8. British Constitution: mixed Government Montequieu, 1748 – Unprecedented stability and harmony

  9. REAL reasons for British stability and harmony • 1. Controversial issues all settled • King governs according to Parliamentary statutes • Will not levy taxes or wage war without consent • No standing army in peacetime

  10. REAL reasons for British stability and harmony • 2. Day to day harmony ensured: • Crown exercise of “influence” over elections • Crown distribution of patronage

  11. Criticism of British system of influence and patronage:Radical Whigs/CommonwealthmenJohn Trenchard and Thomas Gordon, 1720-23

  12. Criticism of British system of influence and patronage: RADICAL WHIG IDEOLOGY BIG IDEAS: • Power Threatens Liberty • Liberty: Ability to exercise natural rights in limits set by law • Power: Compulsion “absolute power corrupts, absolutely” • The People MUST be Vigilant Against Corruption and Tyranny

  13. Radical Whig Thought Appeals to: AMERICAN COLONIES • American Constitution Mimics British

  14. American Differences from British Political System:Power of Executive • 1. On surface, more power: • Veto Power • Can convene and dissolve Assembly at will • Judiciary powers

  15. American Differences from the British System:Power of the Executive • But in practice, less control . . . • Responsible to external executive: Board of Trade • Little “influence” over elections Reduced ability to distribute patronage Assemblies appoint sheriffs, approve judges, appoint colonial treasurer

  16. American Differences: Assemblies not Manageable • Representation more egalitarian 50-75% of white men meet property qualifications to vote • Leadership less settled Instructions given to representatives • Idea of direct representation evolves

  17. Thus, Through American eyes . . . • Governors too powerful • British system corrupt • Radical whig warnings make sense . . .

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